Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation Advanced Diploma (Online)

The Program

We are not currently accepting applications for the Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation Advanced Diploma program.

Vancouver Island University's Advanced Diploma in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation is an intensive part-time online two-year program that provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to be forensic fraud investigators. Students will develop analytical skills to approach the investigation of fraud, corruption, and ethical irregularities and an understanding of the strategies and tools that can be used to achieve fraud prevention through strategic controls and a culture of compliance.

This program provides an excellent supplement to any business or criminology diploma or degree, or accounting designations, and will provide specialization in the growing field of government and corporate fraud investigation, forensic accounting, and fraud prevention and compliance. For professionals working in a related area such as law enforcement, banking, accounting, legal services, government or regulatory bodies, this program can provide the credentials needed for specialization in this growing field.

This program is endorsed by the Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada. The Association of Certified Forensic Investigators of Canada (ACFI) is a national association which grants accreditation for the designation Certified Forensic Investigator (CFI), a designation widely recognized by Canadian law enforcement, professional associations, and industry. This program will provide preparation for the examination for ACFI's entry-level Certified Forensic Technician (CFT) credential, and for those who have obtained three years of forensic investigation experience, for ACFI's Certified Forensic Investigator (CFI) designation.

The program is delivered online on a part-time basis over two years through VIU's online learning environment. Courses will be taken one at a time, sequentially. Each course will be 8 weeks long including the final examination, with the exception of FORE 490 which will be 14 weeks long. The program will consist of online learning modules, group discussion, case studies and investigation simulations, and simulated role plays. Students must be prepared to participate in interactive learning. Students will develop critical thinking, investigative skills, professional report-writing skills, and receive constructive feedback to enhance their learning. There will also be required reading and homework.

Completion Requirements

Admission Requirements

Completion of a university, college degree, or diploma in a related business area (such as accounting, commerce, management, business administration or criminology), or completion of the requirements for a professional accounting designation (such as CA, CGA, CMA). Students with third-year standing in related fields, such a business and criminology, will also be considered.

Thorough understanding of accounting fundamentals as evidenced by having attained at least "C+" in a college or university level financial accounting course such as VIU's ACCT 100 - (Financial Accounting I).

International students are required to meet VIU's English Language requirements and must have completed VIU's English Language program, or have already achieved a minimum TOEFL 550, TOEFL Computer Based Test (CBT) 213, TOEFL iBT 80 with no section lower than 19, IELTS 6.0, CAEL 60, Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (min. "B"), Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (min. "B").

Recommendations for Admission

Academic or applied experience in criminology, accounting, law, or investigations is advantageous.

Academic or applied experience in word processing and spreadsheets.

Notes on Admission

Preference will be given to candidates with experience in a related field.

Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

The program starts in September, and applications for admission are accepted anytime up to June 30. Applications received after June 30 are considered late and will be processed as space permits.